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Music Terminology and Theory Trivia Quiz

Some miscellaneous questions on music theory - musical terms and forms.

A multiple-choice quiz by SuperRo. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
SuperRo

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
93,721

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
2931

Last 3 plays: Guest 70 (6/10), Guest 204 (5/10), Guest 129 (8/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which metronome marking is said to be larghetto? Hint

156- 184 M.M.

100- 128 M.M.

70- 100 M.M.

184- 208 M.M.

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of these musical forms includes three sections and a coda? Hint

motet

fugue

sonata

ternary

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Question 3 of 10

3. The twelve-tone or chromatic scale contains all the tones we hear in western music, and can be understood as inflections of what? Hint

transformation

pentatonic scale

diatonic scale

modulation

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Question 4 of 10

4. Which of these musical forms is notated ABA? Hint

ternary form

thorough-composed form

binary form

secondary rounded form

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Question 5 of 10

5. Compositions using scales made up of 12 half-steps are using what? Hint

common time

pentatonic scale

chromaticism

duple meter

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Question 6 of 10

6. Which of the following is NOT usually included in an opera? Hint

saltarello

interlude

recitative

overture

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Question 7 of 10

7. To which musical family does the timpani belong? Hint

idiophone

metallophone

chordophone

membranophone

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Question 8 of 10

8. What is leitmotif the basis for? Hint

operetta

thematic recollection and transformation

libretto

singspiel

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Question 9 of 10

9. Which term refers to a short, light piece of music, usually written for the piano? Hint

concerto

bagatelle

saltarello

rondo

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the term used to describe comedic opera? Hint

seria

rabbiosa

verismo

buffa

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 09 2024 : Guest 70: 6/10
Dec 03 2024 : Guest 204: 5/10
Nov 18 2024 : Guest 129: 8/10
Nov 15 2024 : MacaroniTree: 8/10
Nov 15 2024 : Guest 141: 7/10
Nov 15 2024 : Guest 174: 7/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which metronome marking is said to be larghetto?

Answer: 70- 100 M.M.

According to the United States Academic Decathlon, a larghetto tempo falls between 70- 100 metronome markings. 100- 128 M.M. is adagio, 184- 208 M.M. is presto, and 156- 184 M.M. is allegro.

2. Which of these musical forms includes three sections and a coda?

Answer: sonata

The three sections of the sonata form are exposition, development, and recapitulation, and the whole work may end with a coda. Ternary form has three closed sections, which means that each section needs a resolution.

3. The twelve-tone or chromatic scale contains all the tones we hear in western music, and can be understood as inflections of what?

Answer: diatonic scale

When the music changes from one key to another, we call it modulation. The mode, like a scale, works to create a basis for a song, but unlike a scale, may also incorporate a much more complex emotion or idea. The diatonic scale consists of seven notes and is either major or minor. The pentatonic (5-note) scale can also be described as major or minor.

4. Which of these musical forms is notated ABA?

Answer: ternary form

These forms are all notated with lettered notes ranging from A-G. Rounded binary form extends the binary form by repeating the A section after the B. The repeated A section will be a little different from the original A section and is usually notated A'. Ternary form is also notated ABA, but there is a difference between rounded binary form and ternary form.

Here's a site that explains that a bit more if you're interested: http://www.musictheoryresources.com/members/FA_rounded.htm

5. Compositions using scales made up of 12 half-steps are using what?

Answer: chromaticism

Chromaticism was often added to Romantic works to add a mysterious, darker aspect to the piece.

6. Which of the following is NOT usually included in an opera?

Answer: saltarello

Included within operas are overtures, interludes (which are sections of pure orchestral playing in between events) and individual vocal pieces, in which a character in the opera sings while the orchestra acts as accompaniment. Operas also include recitative, which is the "sung speech" that one often hears when opera singers are not singing a song but reciting a line.

7. To which musical family does the timpani belong?

Answer: membranophone

The term "idiophone" refers to all percussive instruments that are membraneless. Unlike most percussive instruments, the timpani is not an idiophone.

8. What is leitmotif the basis for?

Answer: thematic recollection and transformation

Leitmotif is the basis for thematic recollection and transformation, which refer to the way a composer establishes, changes and develops certain melodic themes that have an idea associated with them. Thematic recollection and transformation is the only answer choice that refers to leitmotif at all.

9. Which term refers to a short, light piece of music, usually written for the piano?

Answer: bagatelle

This form of piano composition was used greatly by Beethoven. "Fur Elise" is one.

10. What is the term used to describe comedic opera?

Answer: buffa

Seria is the term used for serious opera, and buffa, which means "funny" in Italian, is used to describe comedic opera.

Source: Author SuperRo

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